Colombia opens embassy in occupied Jerusalem following diplomatic shift

• The relocation follows a significant shift in Colombian foreign policy under President Abelardo de la Espriella
• 'Israeli' Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar attended the ceremony alongside Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula
• The move drew immediate condemnation from Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Colombia inaugurated its embassy in Jerusalem, marking a shift in the South American nation's foreign policy under its new administration.

The inauguration was conducted jointly by 'Israeli' Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula.

Sa'ar stated that the day is "an important and historic day for Israel-Colombia relations and also for Jerusalem, our capital."

יום חשוב והיסטורי ליחסי ישראל-קולומביה וגם לירושלים, בירתנו. הבוקר חנכתי, יחד עם חברי שר החוץ של קולומביה @omarbula, את שגרירות קולומביה בירושלים. אני מודה לנשיא קולומביה חברי @ABDELAESPRIELLA, שאמר לי בבואנוס-איירס, הרבה לפני שנבחר: ״אם אבחר לנשיא הרפובליקה - אעביר מיד את שגרירות קולומביה לירושלים״. הבטיח - וקיים. זוהי השגרירות העשירית שנפתחת בירושלים. מאז כניסתי לתפקיד, לפני פחות משנתיים, הוכפל מספר השגרירויות בירושלים! יהיו עוד ב״ה - ובקרוב! 🇮🇱🇨🇴 @CancilleriaCol @IsraelMFA

— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) October 14, 2026

The decision fulfills a campaign pledge made by Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella prior to his election, according to Sa'ar. He said that: "I thank the President of Colombia, my friend who told me in Buenos Aires, long before he was elected: "If I am elected President of the Republic - I will immediately move the Embassy of Colombia to Jerusalem." He promised - and fulfilled."

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates issued a statement strongly condemning and rejecting the embassy opening. Ministry spokesperson Ambassador Fouad Al-Majali stated that any measures aimed at altering the legal status or character of Jerusalem are "null, void, and without legal effect under international law."

Al-Majali reaffirmed Jordan's position that regional stability and a lasting peace depend on the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.